The Cleveland Cavaliers got kicked in the teeth over the summer when their native son, LeBron James, announced on national television that he would not be staying in Cleveland, but rather “taking his talents to South Beach.” As you might have guessed, every red-blooded Clevelander has had December 2nd marked on their calendar since the NBA released the 2010-11 basketball schedule.

source: nbasoup.com

LeBron James Returns to Cleveland on December 2, 2010

Maybe only one game (or two) so far this season have brought with it an enormous Superbowl-type hype with it. The opening tip between Boston and Miami felt like a Game 7. The first Orlando v. Miami game also had something special, until the blowout of the second half. These games were hyped because everyone wanted to see how Miami measured up against the NBA heavyweights.

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Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat absolutely posterized Anderson Varejao of the Cleveland Cavaliers on a monster dunk, showing his vertical leap and power.

Dunking is almost entirely dependent on your vertical leap. If you can increase your vertical, you have a better chance to throw down at the rim.

Part of jumping higher involves building up your leg muscles. Plyometrics (exercising design to mimic game-time jumping) can be very effective in building muscles. Additionally, technique is important. Visualizing yourself jumping higher can often add a few inches, as can swinging your arms upward.

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